Army Ranger from Dudley killed in parachuting accident

Saturday

Jun 15, 2013 at 8:00 AMJun 15, 2013 at 8:24 PM

By Richard Duckett TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Pfc. Christopher P. Dona, the U.S. Army Ranger and Dudley native killed Thursday in a parachuting accident, was a highly regarded member of the Shepherd Hill Regional High School class of 2010, the school's principal said Saturday.

Pfc. Dona, 21, was found dead with parachute cords and canvass straps from a harness wrapped around his neck after a routine training jump in Southeast Georgia, according to Army authorities.

He was a combat veteran who returned last month from his first deployment in Afghanistan.

Pfc. Dona was frequently on the honor roll at Shepherd Hill Regional High School. He enlisted in the Army in early 2012.

“The entire Shepherd Hill community is deeply saddened to learn about Chris' tragic death,” said school Principal Mary A. Pierangeli.

“He was a highly regarded member of the class of 2010 who participated in both cross country and track while in high school,” she said. “Chris was a respectful, pleasant young man who had a genuine concern for others. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

“Chris was an excellent ranger who consistently displayed great courage and strength — a true warrior,” Lt. Col. Robert J. Harman, the battalion commander, said in a statement. “He was the kind of Ranger everyone wants by their side in a tough situation.”

Dona's father, Paul, said his son was an all-star football player and never drank or used drugs. “He was a good kid, really. He was a good kid and a smart kid,” he said.

Pfc. Dona served in the 1st Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment based at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga.

An Army spokesman earlier said that Mr. Dona's parachute seemed to work normally during the jump. When he landed, wind filled the parachute's canopy, dragging Mr. Dona about 350 feet along the ground. Mr. Dona was unconscious by the time fellow soldiers reached him.

His survivors include his parents, Paul and Maryann, his sister, Melissa; and his brother, Brian. His family did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

Material from the Associated Press was included in this report. Contact Richard Duckett at rduckett@telegram.com.